How to have a great conference
with your child's teacher.
by Elaine M. Gibson
First rule: You are not being called to the
principal's office.
Parent/teacher conferences will be coming up
soon. These conferences are an important part of our
children's education. Unfortunately, many parents
feel intimidated by these meetings. If you are
nervous about such a conference, remember that you
are no longer in school and your are not being
called in to the principal's office.
Second Rule: You are your child's best advocate.
You are now a parent of a child and you are a
partner with your child's teachers. Good teachers
welcome a parent's interest and support because no
one knows a child like his parents do.
Third Rule: Go with a purpose.
- To get the most out of the conference,
follow this checklist. If necessary, keep it
with you during the meeting.
Preparing for the Conference
- Before the conference, look over the
school work your child has brought
home. Take examples with you. Be
prepared to question any concern
with the teacher.
-
Look for the following:
- ___work completion
- ___changes in grades
- ___changes in skills
- ___changes in neatness
- ___teacher's comments
- ___what is being tested
-
Be prepared to express any
concerns with the teacher.
- Talk to your child about school. Ask
about:
- ___subjects liked most,
least, and why
- ___subjects that are
easy/difficult, and why
- ___getting along with
teachers
- ___getting along with
classmates.
- You will want to check your child's
perceptions with the teacher.
Remember, your child sees things
from his/her unique perspective.
- Ask yourself:
- ___do I talk with the child
about school?
- ___do I set aside a time for
homework?
- ___do I show interest in the
child's work other than
during problem times?
- If you don't know how to do these
things, be willing to ask the
teacher for suggestions.
-
Arrange a time for the conference
and be on time. Find out how much
time you will have and be respectful
for the other parents waiting in
line. Be prepared to use only the
allotted time. If more time is
necessary, schedule another
conference.
What You Can Learn in the
Conference
At the conference, ask the
teacher:
- ___Is my child working
below, on, or above grade
level?
- ___What are the child's
strengths, weaknesses, and
special talents?
- ___Is homework turned in on
time?
- ___Is classwork completed in
class and if not, why?
- ___Does my child ask
questions when in doubt?
- ___Does my child listen to
directions?
- ___How does my child do in
test situations?
- ___How does my child handle
stressful situations?
- ___Does my child seem to
need more attention than
other children the same age?
- ___How much time should my
child be spending on
homework each night?
- ___Are outside activities
interfering with schoolwork?
- ___Does my child seem to be
getting enough sleep each
night?
- ___Has there been a change
in the child's behavior,
change in friends, or a
change in work habits?
- ___Is a change needed in the
child's behavior, choice of
friends, or work habits?
If your child is having
difficulty, ask:
- ___Is remedial work advised?
- ___Does the child need help
from parents? If so, how do
we help?
- ___Does the child need
special guidance?
- ___Do study habits need
improving? Which ones and
how?
Teachers live with educational
jargon. If your child's teacher uses
a word or initials for a term with
which you are not familiar, stop the
teacher immediately and say,
"Wait a second, tell
me what that means."
It is your responsibility to make
certain that you understand what the
teacher is saying. Sometimes
professionals forget that their
everyday terms and phrases are Greek
to people outside the profession.
Teachers, however, are good at
explaining what things mean -- if
you ask!
Ask the teacher for his or her
suggestions:
- ___If the child needs to
improve work or attitude,
what can be done?
- ___How can I work with my
child without exerting too
much pressure?
- ___How can I help you?
When the conference is over, you
should know the following:
- What the teacher's goals are
for your child.
- If you are expected to help
with the goal.
- What system will be used for
communicating progress
(phone calls, notes?)
Schedule a follow-up conference
allowing enough time to implement
any suggestions made.
Remember, the teacher is not
judging you and there is no need for
you to judge the teacher. A child's
best interest is at stake and
cooperation is essential.
top
home
| about
me | difficult
children | survival
for parents | thoughts
on parenting
parenting
skills/discipline |
communication |
common problems |
laugh it off
children's needs |
school days |
summer with the kids |
holidays with the kids
recommended reading |
recommended products |
links |
awards
"your
thoughts" bulletin board |
send
page to friend
|
